THE BODY AND THE SOUL
The wagon full of slaves creaked to a halt in the meadow followed by Marcus, mounted on a horse. Wiliarit turned toward the wagon with a somber face and began putting his brushes and paint pots into his box. The midday sun warmed the meadow air. More wildflowers had opened, sprinkling colors throughout the emerging green grass. But, the odor of the decaying corpse filled the meadow.
Marcus dismounted and inched up to his brother’s body. He looked, bolted back, and then turned, vomiting over the fresh flowers in the grass. A slave ran up to offer him a cloth. He wiped his mouth, took a deep breath, and turned back toward what remained of Lucas. He stared open-mouthed gasping for air. He crossed himself three times and then raised his hands, palms up, and began to pra
